ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Grant Balfour is out as the Tampa Bay Rays' closer.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said before Monday's game against Seattle the team will use a closer by committee instead of the struggling Balfour, who gave up five runs in the ninth inning of Sunday's 5-0 loss to the Mariners. It was the second time the right-hander has had a five-run inning this season.

Balfour entered Monday 0-2 with a 6.46 ERA in 24 games, and had nine saves in 11 opportunities. He has walked 20 in 23 2-3 innings.